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Gerald Cesarz
Gerald Joseph Cesarz, 81, passed away November 30, 2022. He was born on July 23, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan to Walter Cesarz and Eleanor (Kulczynski) Cesarz.
Jerry graduated from Detroit St. Andrew High School in 1959 where he was captain of the bowling team and earned all-City and all-Catholic League honors in both football and basketball while playing for the legendary coach, Nap Ross.
He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served with honor and distinction until 1964. He married the love of his life, Sharon (Sherwood) Cesarz, on November 23, 1963, in Washington D.C., at the Marine Corp Barracks as he was a member of the White House security detail for JFK and his family. He was granted an 8 hour leave to get married, since the president was unfortunately assassinated the prior day in Dallas. The tragic loss of JFK affected him deeply for the rest of his life as he was very fond of the president’s two young children, especially daughter Caroline who liked to follow him around the grounds and play hide and seek.
Upon discharge from his beloved Marine Corps, he joined the Detroit Police Department where he was awarded many citations for merit and valor, including an award for PO of the year in 1982 - retiring in 1985. Jerry was most proud of the fact that he served alongside his brothers Rich, Bob, and Jimmy on DPD for most of their respective careers. His favorite anecdote from DPD was when he partnered with his wife Sharon’s little sister Donna in the 6th pct IOS. He said, “I’m getting the Sherwood Stare at home and on the job!”
Upon retirement, he and his brother Jimmy bought Mother’s Bar in Detroit from his brother Rich and ran it for 25 years. His favorite time of the year was November 10th when he would host his famous USMC Birthday Party for Leathernecks of all ages. In 1991 he had a WW I vet, and a fresh ‘Boot” cut the cake before he deployed to Desert Storm.
Gerald will be missed by his beloved son, Chuck (Stephanie) Cesarz; cherished grandchildren Caroline and Cole, brother Richard (Marylin) Cesarz and sister Dorothy May, sisters in law Cheryl Barnhill and Donna Sherwood. He is survived by numerous cousins and 22 nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Eleanor Cesarz, wife Sharon Cesarz. brothers Robert (Dorothy) Cesarz and James (Connie) Cesarz.
Gerald’s family and friends will gather, Monday, December 5, 2022, from 5PM-8PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel, and Tuesday, December 6, 2022, from 2PM-8PM (7PM Scripture Service), at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 10:30AM (9:30AM gathering) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Brighton, Michigan. Marine Corps honor guard at 11:30. Father Mathias Thelen will serve as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Gerald Cesarz to The Detroit Police Benefit & Protective Association-3031 W. Grand Blvd. #405, Detroit, MI 48202. Please leave a message of comfort for Gerald’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.
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